Subj: ESTABLISHMENT OF SCIENTIFIC DEVELOPMENT SQUADRON ONE (VXS-1) AND SCIENTIFIC DEVELOPMENT SQUADRON ONE SUPPORT ACTIVITY

Ref: (a) OPNAVINST 5450.169D

(b) SNDL (OPNAVNOTE 5400 Series)

1. Purpose. To implement Secretary of the Navy approval to establish subject shore activities under the command and support of the Chief of Naval Research (CNR) per reference (a).

2. Background. The Naval Research Laboratory currently has a Flight Support Detachment at NAS Patuxent River to provide heavy lift aircraft capable of supporting scientific research projects around the world for Navy, Department of Defense and other government agencies that contribute to Naval Research. Current action recognizes the increasing complexity, operations tempo and worldwide deployments of the detachment and re-designates it as a stand alone shore activity, similar to training squadrons, designated as Scientific Development Squadron ONE (VXS-1). The action also recognizes the increasing need for a commanding officer to head the command as it expands its role into the area of Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAV) and other research operations. The Squadron Support Activity will provide the flight operations, aircraft maintenance and ground support functions for VXS-1.

3. Organizational Changes. Establish Scientific Development Squadron ONE (VXS-1) and Scientific Development Squadron ONE Support Activity effective immediately. The following applies:

Photograph Description: The NRL's NP-3D aircraft played a vital role in the success of BAMEX

Dark skies, big puffy clouds and strong winds are all good indications of bad weather approaching. The effects and damage a storm can sometimes leave behind - flooding caused by heavy rains, property damage and injury caused by heavy winds and hail - can be severe.

But what is unknown is how one particular kind of fast-moving storm called a "bow echo" is formed or how it travels at great velocities across the country, or even how its distinctive pattern can be mapped out.

This was a task that would be examined and analyzed by researchers at the Naval Research Laboratory, as well as many resound weather experts from weather centers across the country. The project, called "BAMEX" (Bow Echo and Mesoscale Convective Systems Exercise), was designed to determine the answers to the many questions concerning these particular storm patterns.

BAMEX does this by investigating the formation and duration of these storms, which are generically called "mesoscale convective systems." The two major areas of concern are the bow echo phenomena, which are responsible for producing the damaging winds in a variety of storms, and what are called "MCV's" (mesoscale convective vortices), which are responsible for producing heavy rains associated with thunderstorms, hurricanes, and other low-pressure systems.

The project was conducted last summer in the central United States. Some 30 scientists from various weather centers and universities teamed up with key members of the NRL to conduct tests and experiments relating to hazardous weather in selected areas. A total of 18 missions over a period of eight weeks were conducted out of Mid-American Airport in Belleville, Ill. The project was a joint experiment which involved a high-level jet aircraft, a P-3 Orion belonging to the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, and an NRL NP-3D aircraft equipped with an "Eldora" radar system. Also involved in the project were ground-based facilities responsible for depicting the various airborne radar coverage.

The NRL's NP-3D aircraft played a vital role in the success of the exercise. The Eldora radar helped scientists determine and anticipate the travel patterns of the mesoscale convective systems. The aircraft flew over 135 hours in mostly turbulent and hazardous weather. Various aspects of the project's success were a direct result of the aircrew's talent and determination, as well as the dedicated maintenance hours that were devoted to the aircraft by the NRL Flight Support Detachment maintenance team.

On July 23 an aircraft with the bureau number 149674, the oldest P-3 Orion in the fleet, returned to the flight line after 18 months of comprehensive depot-level maintenance repairs, which included significant fuel cell maintenance and complete replacement of the upper and lower forward wing spars on both the port and starboard sides of the aircraft.

During a routine maintenance inspection in December 2001, ADCS Ken Stegall of the Naval Research laboratory Flight Support Detachment Aircraft Division noticed a significant fuel leak on the number two fuel cell of aircraft 674. After a thorough investigation, the department decided to contact the Naval Aviation Depot, NAS Jacksonville, Fla., for further analysis. Both teams determined that a tank "bathtub" fitting, which ties the number two and number five fuel cells together, had cracked. Additionally it was decided to allow a NADEP field repair team to begin repairs on the fitting inside the tanks. While working on these repairs, a series of cracks along the wing spars were identified on the port wing leading edge. Further investigation determined that the starboard leading edge wing spars were also damaged and required replacing.

Thus began an 18-month intense maintenance program that required several key members of the FSD Maintenance Department to completely disassemble, assist in the wing spar repairs, and then reassemble all the major components on both aircraft 674's port and starboard wings. The replacement of both the top and bottom wing spars had never been attempted away from the Jacksonville depot. This level of aircraft disassembly goes far beyond what a P-3 squadron is manned and trained to execute.

In spite of these obstacles, NRLFSD supported the wing spar reconstruction, removing all four engines as well as all wing leading edge wiring and bleed air ducting. Many of the components that were removed had never been replaced or even taken off the aircraft, since the original design and construction of the aircraft by Lockheed in 1961.

Completion of these in-depth repairs required long hours of involved and difficult maintenance practices on parts of the aircraft that were in secure and concealed areas. While this enormous and detailed project was taking place, the FSD was operating in one of its busiest times of the year. Project installations, daily maintenance requirements, and local area flight support were also playing a part in the squadron's daily routine. The dedication and experience of all FSD maintainers was put to the test. Their determination and drive ensured a safe and successful result. Aircraft 149674 was made ready for flight, with all the necessary repairs completed. The aircraft was fully reassembled from scratch and prepared for flight line operations.

Today 674 plays a major role in the FSD schedule. From Sept. 24 - Oct. 7, the aircraft supported project RULLI, a CNO-directed exercise, flying from Kadena, Okinawa, Japan. Due only to the efforts and hard work of the Flight Support Detachment's maintainers, this aircraft was able to successfully and safely support Far East research flight operations and provide future support to NRL.

On July 23 an aircraft with the bureau number 149674, the oldest P-3 Orion in the fleet, returned to the flight line after 18 months of comprehensive depot-level maintenance repairs, which included significant fuel cell maintenance and complete replacement of the upper and lower forward wing spars on both the port and starboard sides of the aircraft.

During a routine maintenance inspection in December 2001, ADCS Ken Stegall of the Naval Research laboratory Flight Support Detachment Aircraft Division noticed a significant fuel leak on the number two fuel cell of aircraft 674. After a thorough investigation, the department decided to contact the Naval Aviation Depot, NAS Jacksonville, Fla., for further analysis. Both teams determined that a tank "bathtub" fitting, which ties the number two and number five fuel cells together, had cracked. Additionally it was decided to allow a NADEP field repair team to begin repairs on the fitting inside the tanks. While working on these repairs, a series of cracks along the wing spars were identified on the port wing leading edge. Further investigation determined that the starboard leading edge wing spars were also damaged and required replacing.

Thus began an 18-month intense maintenance program that required several key members of the FSD Maintenance Department to completely disassemble, assist in the wing spar repairs, and then reassemble all the major components on both aircraft 674's port and starboard wings. The replacement of both the top and bottom wing spars had never been attempted away from the Jacksonville depot. This level of aircraft disassembly goes far beyond what a P-3 squadron is manned and trained to execute.

In spite of these obstacles, NRLFSD supported the wing spar reconstruction, removing all four engines as well as all wing leading edge wiring and bleed air ducting. Many of the components that were removed had never been replaced or even taken off the aircraft, since the original design and construction of the aircraft by Lockheed in 1961.

Completion of these in-depth repairs required long hours of involved and difficult maintenance practices on parts of the aircraft that were in secure and concealed areas. While this enormous and detailed project was taking place, the FSD was operating in one of its busiest times of the year. Project installations, daily maintenance requirements, and local area flight support were also playing a part in the squadron's daily routine. The dedication and experience of all FSD maintainers was put to the test. Their determination and drive ensured a safe and successful result. Aircraft 149674 was made ready for flight, with all the necessary repairs completed. The aircraft was fully reassembled from scratch and prepared for flight line operations.

Today 674 plays a major role in the FSD schedule. From Sept. 24 - Oct. 7, the aircraft supported project RULLI, a CNO-directed exercise, flying from Kadena, Okinawa, Japan. Due only to the efforts and hard work of the Flight Support Detachment's maintainers, this aircraft was able to successfully and safely support Far East research flight operations and provide future support to NRL.

The Naval Research Laboratory's Flight Support Detachment recently surpassed a significant aviation milestone. In January 2003 the NRLFSD marked 40 years of accident-free flying.

Since its inception in January 1963, the detachment has flown over 62,000 hours using three different airframes. Flight operations were initiated in 1963 using the Lockheed EC-121 Super Constellation. These large, four-engine aircraft provided the range and endurance to meet research and development requirements. To supplement these aircraft, the detachment also operated the S-2D Tracker for chaff and sonobuoy-related projects. As these older piston-engine aircraft were phased out, the detachment transitioned to the Lockheed P-3 Orion, of which five are currently in service with NRLFSD here. These aircraft serve as readily-modifiable platforms to meet a variety of research assignments.

The detachment "has been instrumental in developing projects and technologies that have progressed to become effective systems for the fleet," said Cmdr. Thomas Munns, the detachment's officer-in-charge. "These have included inverse synthetic aperture radar, global positioning system, zero-visibility landing systems, aircraft carrier landing systems, and cooperative engagement capability."

The detachment consists of 10 officers, 70 enlisted people, and four civil service employees, all of whom maintain the aircraft and train aircrews to meet NRL's mission of conducting scientific research and advanced technological development.

"Our outstanding record is largely due to the intense pride and dedicated professionalism of our people," Munns said. "It is truly an honor to lead these outstanding young men and women."

Cmdr. Thomas M. Munns assumed duties as the officer in charge of the Naval Research Laboratory Flight Support Detachment at a ceremony held on Jan. 29. He relieved Cmdr. Thomas A. McMurry, who has retired from active duty.

Munns was born in Denver, Colo., and raised in Cody, Wyo. He graduated from Cody High School in 1979 and entered the United States Naval Academy. Munns graduated from Annapolis in 1983, attaining a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering. Upon graduation, he commenced Naval Flight Training, completing designation as a naval aviator in March 1985.

Munns has served in four Maritime Patrol Squadrons, earning designations as patrol plane commander, instructor pilot and mission commander and has accumulated more than 4,000 flight hours. In 1996, he assumed the duties of commander, Task Group 72.2 and officer in charge, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 1 Detachment Okinawa, Japan. During his tenure, CTG 72.2 successfully completed numerous real world ASW prosecutions and hundreds of 7th Fleet operations and exercises in the execution of more than 18,000 accident-free flight hours.

Munns' decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal with two stars, and various unit citations and campaign ribbons. He also earned a master's degree in strategic studies from the Naval War College.

Munns is married and has three children.

Circa 1994

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Flight Support Detachment...NRL's Flight Support Detachment (FSD) added two aircraft to its inventory in FY 94. Aircraft Bureau numbers 154587 and 158277 were previously assigned to Oceanographic Development Squadron 8 (VXN-8) prior to its decomissioning. Aircraft 154589 has completed its research modification and is awaiting final certification. Aircraft 149674 was upgraded with more powerful engines. Finally three of FSD aircraft will undergo navigation and communication upgrades starting in May 1994. These additions, modifications, and upgrades will ensure that NRL will have the finest airborne research capabilities well into the next century..." http://www.nrl.navy.mil/nrl/heritage/future.html#flight

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...With the decommissioning of Oceanographic Development Squadron 8 (VXN-8) in September 1993, NRL FSD acquired not only two new P-3s but also two additional missions as well. Project Magnet measures and maps the Earth's magnetic variation, while Project Birdseye conducts hydroacoustic research. NRL FSD's aircraft operate worldwide on extended deployment and annually log more than 2500 flight hours. These aircraft are the sole airborne platforms for numerous projects such as bathymetry, electronic countermeasures, gravity mapping, and radar development research. The detachment has a flawless safety record, having amassed more than 47,000 hours of accident-free flying over a 30-year period...." http://www.nrl.navy.mil:80/nrl/heritage/flight-support.html